News & Info

If you are a small business owner, public liability is one of the many risks that needs to be managed on an ongoing basis.

The reality for business owners is that just one accident can have a significant impact on both the person who suffers the accident, and on the business itself.

Taking proactive steps to minimise the risk of an accident happening in the first place, can help prevent your customers, visitors or employees from being injured, and your business going through a costly legal process.

Here are some practical ways to improve safety in your business.

Identify potential hazards

The first step in reducing the risk of accidents is to always be alert for common hazards.

These may include:

• slippery or uneven floors,
• poor lighting in stairwells or walkways,
• loose wires or obstructions,
• faulty equipment or furniture,
• unsafe signage or lack of safety warnings.

Of course, it is not possible to eliminate all risks completely. But training staff to be vigilant for hazards, regularly inspecting your premises and addressing problems immediately can go a long way to preventing accidents.

Maintain a safe environment

If you operate a business, you have a duty of care to your employees, customers, and anyone who visits your premises, to ensure a safe environment.

Simple yet effective measures may involve:

• cleaning up spills immediately to prevent slips,
• providing adequate lighting in all areas,
• fixing damaged flooring or uneven surfaces,
• using clear signage for wet floors or potential hazards,
• keeping walkways clear of obstructions.

Train staff on health and safety

Your employees play a crucial role in preventing accidents. Providing up-to-date health and safety training for your staff can help them recognise and address risks quickly and effectively. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has free online courses on hsalearning.ie for a range of sectors, including a specific section for small business owners and employees. There is also a free BeSmart tool for conducting risk assessments for your business.

The National Irish Safety Organisation (NISO) also run safety courses for businesses and have safety guides on a variety of topics that can be downloaded from their website.

Some topics to cover in training staff could include:

• Safe lifting and carrying techniques.
• How to identify and address hazards.
• What to do if a customer has an accident.
• Emergency response procedures.

Keep records of inspections and incidents

Maintaining proper documentation can be invaluable in the event of a claim, to show that you took the necessary precautions. Keep records of:

• Regular safety inspections.
• Maintenance and repair work.
• Training sessions attended by staff.
• Incident reports, including details of what happened and any actions taken.

These records can demonstrate that your business takes safety seriously.

Display warning signs where necessary

It sounds simple, but warning signs can help prevent accidents. But in many of the accident in public place claims we have dealt with over the years, there was no warning sign present to alert the person of the hazard.

If a potential hazard cannot be immediately removed, clear warning signs are essential. This includes:

• “Caution: Wet Floor” signs after mopping.
• Notices about ongoing maintenance work.
• Warnings for steps or uneven surfaces.

Proper signage shows you have taken reasonable steps to warn people of risks.

Review your risk management plan regularly

Public liability risks evolve as businesses grow and change. Regularly reviewing and updating your risk management strategy ensures your business is making safety a priority. Consider conducting formal risk assessments every few months to stay ahead of potential issues.

By identifying hazards, training staff and keeping records, business owners can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and create a safe environment for staff and customers alike.